The Ford Ranger was equipped with the 5R55E, 5R44E or 4R44E transmission. But they aren’t without their problems though, so let’s look at some of the most common Ford Ranger transmission problems, look at cost estimates and figure out what you can do about them.
What Transmission Do I Have?
Ford Ranger Transmission Models
Ford Ranger: 5R55E / 5R44E / 4R44E Transmission
Ford Ranger Transmission Replacement Cost Estimate
Pricing varies by model. To be 100% sure on pricing, have your VIN# handy and use our Get An Estimate feature to look up your transmission by VIN#.
Replacement 5R55E / 5R44E / 4R44E Transmission:
| Transmission | Street Smart Transmission |
|---|---|
| 5R55S/N/W/E | 2203 |
What are the DTC codes related to Ford Ranger transmission problems?
| Trouble Code | Description |
|---|---|
| P0705 | Transmission Range Sensor Circuit Malfunction (PRNDL Input) |
| P0711 | Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor Circuit Range/Performance |
| P0712 | Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor Circuit Low Input |
| P0713 | Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor Circuit High Input |
| P0730 | Incorrect Gear Ratio |
| P0731 | Gear 1 Incorrect Ratio |
| P0732 | Gear 2 Incorrect Ratio |
| P0733 | Gear 3 Incorrect Ratio |
| P0734 | Gear 4 Incorrect Ratio |
| P0735 | Gear 5 Incorrect Ratio |
| P0745 | Pressure Control Solenoid 'A' |
| P0775 | Pressure Control Solenoid 'B' |
| P0795 | Pressure Control Solenoid 'C' |
| P0797 | Pressure Control Solenoid 'C' Stuck On |
| P0798 | Pressure Control Solenoid 'C' Electrical |
Ford Ranger Transmission Recalls
None Found
Ford Ranger Technical Service Bulletins (TSB)
TSB 02-08-03 – Transmission fluid leak at servo cover
2001 – 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac – 2001 – 2002 Ford Explorer Sport – 2001 – 2002 Ford Ranger
Problem – On vehicles equipped with the 2.3L, 3.0L or 4.0L engine with the 5R55E transmission, operating in cold climates may cause a transmission fluid leak at the servo cover.
Solution – Install updated servo cover(s).
TSB 02-13-8 – Low line pressure at wide open throttle (WOT), slipping and or delayed gear engagement
1995 – 2001 Ford Explorer – 1999 – 2002 Ford Explorer Sport – 2001 – 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac – 1995 – 2002 Ford Ranger – 1997 – 2001 Mercury Mountaineer
Problem – Vehicles built prior to 12/1/2001 may experience a number of transmission problems including; no 2nd gear, no 3rd gear, no engine braking when in manual 1st, slipping and/or delayed gear engagements, DTC’s P0732, P0733 and/or P1762
Solution – Modify or install updated valve body
Common Problems with the Ford Ranger Transmission
Lack of Response
Leaking Fluid
Low Fluid
Burning Smell
Grinding or Shaking
Whining, Clunking or Humming
Refuses to Go Into Gear
Torque Converter Issues
Valve Body Issues
Transmission Noisy in Neutral
Gears Slipping
No 3rd or 4th Gear
No 1st or 2nd Gear
No Reverse
Dragging Clutch
Trouble Codes / Check Engine Light
Can I drive with a transmission problem?
If your Ford Ranger can still make it up and down the road, you might say “It’s fine, I’ll just drive it until I can get it fixed”. But that is not always a good idea, depending on the symptoms. You see, there are a lot of (very expensive) moving parts inside of a transmission, and if something isn’t right, continuing to drive with a transmission problem could damage something else.
How often does a Ford Ranger transmission need to be replaced?
The overall lifespan of a Ford Ranger transmission largely depends on how well it was maintained. Factory design flaws also factor into this equation, along with how/how hard you drive. But on average, we’ve seen the Ford Ranger transmission last for between 130,000-180,000 miles. A high quality replacement transmission however, can last considerably longer if all of the factory design flaws have been addressed and the vehicle has been maintained.
How are Ford Ranger transmission issues diagnosed?
It is fairly easy to guesstimate what the root cause of your Ford Ranger transmission problems might be, but you won’t truly know unless you have the right tools and experience. A good mechanic or transmission repair center will be able to connect your truck to a computer and find out which diagnostic trouble codes (DTC’s) have been stored. Once they know what to look for, they can perform a visual inspection to verify the problem.
How is a Ford Ranger transmission replaced?
In order to replace your Ford Ranger transmission, the truck has to be lifted from the ground in order to gain access to all of the parts that will need to be unbolted. Then the transmission can be lowered to the ground (typically with a transmission jack), so the new transmission can be installed. Once it is in place, for the 6L80, the vehicle PCM will have to be reprogrammed / reflashed to accept the new transmission using the latest GM subscription.
Recommendations for Ford Ranger transmission issues?
To save time and get back on the road faster, have your 17-digit truck VIN# handy and you can get an online quote for a reman Ford Ranger transmission here, then find a local shop using our Find a Shop guide to install it for you.
How to Solve Ford Ranger Transmission Problems
Solution A: Buy a Used Ford Ranger Transmission
The quickest way to fix your transmission problems is to simply buy a used transmission or used transmission. These can be found at most junk yards, and they often come with a 30-90 day warranty. However, there’s no way to determine the actual condition of the internal components, so you could be spending a bunch of money to have the exact same problems. Plus, that warranty only covers the transmission if it’s defective, not the labor costs that you’ll have to pay.
Solution B: Buy a Rebuilt Ford Ranger Transmission
Another option would be a rebuilt transmission or rebuilt transmission. A local repair shop will remove your transmission, then install a bunch of new parts during the rebuild. The problem here is, the skills and experience of each transmission rebuilder will vary widely from shop to shop, so you could have problems from something that wasn’t adjusted properly. And the 1-2 year warranty might only cover you at certain transmission repair shops, in a specific geographical area.
Solution C: Buy a Remanufactured Ford Ranger Transmission
Many owners depend on their vehicle to commute and get things done. Their gasoline engines are designed to go 100’s of thousands of miles, so it makes sense to invest in a remanufactured transmission.
What Transmission Do I Have?
What Problem Does Your Ford Ranger Have?
Let us know the year, mileage and problem you’re having as well as any trouble (OBD) codes you’ve found. If you’ve been given a quote or paid for a repair, we’d like to hear about that too!
Was driving in the middle of the road when the engine would not accelerate. Pulled over, drive and reverse would not work. Switched it into 2nd gear, the car moved forward. Tested out drive again after that, the drive gear worked and now the reverse gear works too. Of course this happened on the fourth of july, so I am waiting until tomorrow to get it checked out
2000 Ranger 240,000….ish
Shifting hard after 1st gear, rebuilt trans about 4 years ago…easy fix or replace tranny?
2008 Ford Ranger FX4
Truck runs great no check engine light. When driving on the highway and need to pass I step on the gas and sometimes it will down shift and start slipping. I let off the accelerator and it will go back in gear. It shifts great but upon wanting to pass it goes to slipping.
no fwd or rev now loud whining noise when engaged started off no rev and had to manually shift up thru gears
04 ranger 3.0 liter 6 cyl…… when shifted into reverse, it makes a huge jerking noise…. like a big clank….. anyone know what causes this?
Check your U joints it’s a much cheaper fix
Not sure why am about to post here, none ever responds it seems.
Anyway, I just rebuilt my 4r44e following the university of youtube. Pretty sure I have all the pieces in correctly and the bands adjusted to spec. However now the 1, 2 work solid and full strength. But D and R slip. I installed a stage 2 rebuild kit. Replaced all the guts on the inside.
Has anyone else rebuilt this transmission themselves and resolved these issues?
I have a 97 Ford Ranger a my issue is shifter solenoid was having trouble shifting into first and second and now it don’t shut that off what do I do
You kinda already said what part was having an issue. I think taking it to a tranny shop to have them look at or replace that part might be your key.
2001 Ford Ranger XLT 3.0 V6 will not drive in 1st gear and will not take off when put in Drive, I have to start in 2nd gear and at 15-18mph I can shift into drive and it’ll catch but if I floor it at 40-50mph I’ll stop accelerating and the engine will just Rev like I’m in neutral? Also if I try to take off in 1st gear (OD) light flash’s
So out of all the info I read online, , valve body gasket blow out, 3rd gear clutches, loose bands, solenoids. All possible.
Sounds like the of sprag is not holding
09 Ford Ranger XL basic work truck. 2.3 L 4 cyl. I keep getting code P0743 torque converter clutch circuit electrical. Flashing O/D light with a solid engine light. I’ve replaced the torque converter solenoid inside the tranny but I still have the same issue. The truck has a hard shift into second and sometimes third gear. It dosent always want to shift into O/D but if you play with the throttle it will eventually shift. Any help is greatly appreciated.
i have a 2004 ranger edge auto transmission 4 liter engine. it is kicking violently at times just driving at normal speeds. it’s 4×4 that i just bought in august. in 4 wheel drive mode it is much worse. 125000 miles any post are very welcome!
2000 ranger 254k mile no reverse had no slip just stopped working ??
Same thing happened to me today. Was told it’s a reverse band in the back of the tranny. The whole thing needs to come apart to fix. Cheaper to put in a used transmission.
The Rev. Band is probably broken
(OF OFF) light comes on and flashes and hits 3000 rpm at 60 mph. Replaced the output speed sensor, and no change. I also bought a transmission kit and still no better
2015 pII goes into limp mode every 30-40 min driving, Trans light only comes on and goes off every now and then, ford can’t diagnose the problem only had one fault code that was for the fuel rail sensor
06 xlt ranger 6cyl 5 speed manual leaking clutch fluid ???
Any ideas
05 with about 35,000 and wont shift into 3rd, had only started driving it more frequently in last year, any suggestions please
Forgot it’s a 94 with almost 300,000 Miles on it
I have to let off throttle for about two seconds for it to shift. It kicks down and into passing gear and will shift for hills and other drags on speed but from the take off it’s like driving a standard. No I don’t have to manually shift it. So what’s my problem with it
Possible plugged fuel filter. Recieved multiple trans complaints for this issue. Low fuel pressure from pump is possible but fuel filters get overlooked. Will hang in gear with delayed shifts or have to let up on throttle before trans shifts.
My 2006 Ranger has a shifting issue, if I dont allow the motor to idle down completely before putting it in gear, it wont shift into drive. I have to put it in neutral, and rev the motor and then put it drive.
Same as my problem how you resolve?
It will back up but want go front sometime.
2000 ranger, 94000
The problem is where the drive shaft go’s into the rear of the transmission, can move it all around
rear Bearing and seal